Wild about Harry (Potter, that is) [Archive]

Lynner

Jul 21, 2007, 08:01 AM

Seems like enough of us like him (or at least know about him), so thought it might be fun to discuss a bit. Please don't give away the ending of the last book for a while, tho', as I doubt we all (at least I didn't) ran out and got a copy. But if you did, it would be interesting to hear if there were crowds and such.
If you've read the series or seen the movies, which have you liked, not liked, etc?

Lynner

Jul 21, 2007, 08:06 AM

I'll start. :smile1:
I didn't get into the series until after the second book was out in paperback and even then, only read them cuz my husband had expressed an interest in the books. My sister and I bought him the first two books in paperback and then I decided as long as we had them, I'd read them. They weren't the genre of books I typically enjoy, but something about them had me hooked. I can't say I'm a fanatic tho', as I don't have any in hard copy. I've seen the first four movies and really, overall I think they're great!
My favorite book is probably the first one, but that could also be because it's the one I've read most often. I really like the 3rd movie quite a lot, much from the book is missing, but there's so much going on in the books that you can't film everything!
In a way, I'll be sorry to see the series end, but in another way, I think she's gone on with it long enough.
What do you all think?

Marmalade Skies

Jul 21, 2007, 10:22 AM

I think I'm one of the only teenagers in my town (or perhaps the world) who isn't into Harry Potter anymore.

In Naperville, where my mom lives, they actually closed one of the streets down and turned it into 'Diagon Alley' and had a MASSIVE release party. All the shops changed their names for a the day (like our candy shop was turned into Honeydukes, the candy shop in the books) and they all decorated really elaborately. I was completely unaware that it was the book release date, and so I went down there just to return books to the library but ran into friends and stayed. I felt a bit left out, I have to say! Everyone was dressed up and really into it -even adults. I told everyone that my costume had an invisibilty cloak on.

I mean, I read the first 4. I bought the 5th, but didnt read it, and I know Dumbledore is killed my Snape in the 6th. That's about it. I used to be really into it - my parakeet I still have from back then is actually named Harry Potter, and my duvet cover hides a Harry Potter comforter. I just think over time, I lost interest. I hardly even read anything of the fantasy genre anymore. Maybe I just grew up too quickly?*

*I'm not saying that anymore who reads Harry Potter isn't grown up. I'm sure you all get what I mean, right?

Lynner

Jul 21, 2007, 11:40 AM

I know what you mean, the books aren't for everyone, and maybe some time you'll pick them up again and like them even more than before.
I knew about the release date from various articles in the daily papers.

Mccartneyluvr

Jul 21, 2007, 12:41 PM

I have a special place in my heart for the books. When my oldest was in Kindergarten we went to the book store and he bought the first book. He didnt know how to read and I started off reading it to him. After a while he learned some words and we would read it together. By the end of his Kindergarten year he was able to read it pretty much by himself. I was really proud of him, I dont know too many other kindergarten students who could read Harry Potter.
He hasnt read any of the other books, but we go to see all the movies. One time he has saved his money to take us both out to see the 2nd movie(he saved tooth fairy money and cleaned my mom's garage) because he wanted me to go out on a "date". It was kind of sweet. So, I dont read the books and am not a huge fan, but I will always love Harry Potter.

GirlWithKaleidoscopeEyes

Jul 21, 2007, 12:44 PM

I've only seen the first four movies, and none of them were bad, but the third and fourth left out too much in my opinion. I've been an avid reader of the books ever since sometime between the releases of the third and the fourth. I'm not as into fantasy as I used to be, but I still really like Harry Potter (and a few other fantasy series/authors). I just bought the seventh book about five and a half hours ago and probably spent about four of those hours reading. What I really like about the series is that the books are easy to understand and read (not that easy always better, but I like a variety), yet they're still well written, complex, and thought provoking.

beatles fan

Jul 21, 2007, 01:35 PM

Can't stand garry motter, just one of those things that annoys me, i don't like the films, they are too childish and it has been dragged out far too long,

althought my sister has an orginal copy of the first book worth quite a bit of money!

sadie

Jul 21, 2007, 02:37 PM

People were queing at midnight to get the book...madness!

Lynner

Jul 21, 2007, 03:06 PM

Our local library had an event late last night. They did it for the last book as well and it was well received.
Saw the book in three different stores today, so I guess I don't understand why there was such a big deal to have people order the book. I know, it was hype, and other than for a Beatle, I don't see the need to be the first to have one of the books.

VersusBatman

Jul 21, 2007, 03:10 PM

I tried to jump on the Harry Potter train, but I never finished the first book and I didn't bother to renew it. So I guess it's not that important to me. maybe someday I'll try reading it again.

sourmilkpinky

Jul 21, 2007, 03:51 PM

I am usually out first thing in the morning to buy the book. But, I will just pick it up tomorrow at the grocery store....I get it first, since I pay for it, and usually finish it in two days. My youngest who got into it the most....is so mad about Snape.....I am not sure she ever got through the last book.

VersusBatman

Jul 21, 2007, 04:43 PM

Hee! I peeked at some spoilers! The one that dies is...just kidding!

Serena

Jul 21, 2007, 06:33 PM

harry potter's pretty good, but still a bit too juvenile for me.

i did however by the first two books recently to see what the fuss was. they're pretty good, but i think i would have enjoyed them more when i was 10 or 11. i may finish reading the series anyways.

digdad

Jul 21, 2007, 07:21 PM

Well, I love the books and have enjoyed the movies. I don't think the books are too juvenile at all. One thing I really like is that they are not written down to the target readership but rather are written in a clear style that I think a lot of other authors could benefit from. I used to read a lot of science fiction and fantasy as a kid, but have gotten away from it in my fiction reading as an adult--I'm much more into mysteries and thrillers these days for my fun reading. But still, this hasn't diminished my appreciation of the Harry Potter books.

Also, my wife and I took the kids to a Harry Potter party at our local Borders Books last night for the fun of it. If it gets them excited about reading, that's great.

My wife is buried in the book now. I'll get it when she's done, but that should only be Monday at the latest. Me, I'll take about 3 weeks or so to read it.

VersusBatman

Jul 21, 2007, 07:50 PM

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I think the actress for Hermoinie is too cute. In the book she seemed more homely.

Mccartneyluvr

Jul 22, 2007, 03:46 AM

If it gets them excited about reading, that's great.

I feel the same way.

Magill

Jul 22, 2007, 06:06 AM

I don't think Harry Potter is juvenile at all. It's good, wholesome family entertainment. Just last week, the three of us saw "The Order Of The Phoenix" together. And the small theater was packed with kids of all ages, most of whom were with their equally ethusiastic parents. (Some people were even standing in the aisles.) I've found the whole series to be be very imaginative, although at times for me, predictable. But that's always been my own downfall. I often figure how stories end just by judging where the writer is leading me. It can be somewhat annoying. I wish my brain would just shut off and just enjoy the story as it unfolds! :laugh5:

Magill

Jul 22, 2007, 06:07 AM

Btw, I just picked up the last book at Target for a mere $17.99! Suhhhweeett! :thumbu1:

Marmalade Skies

Jul 22, 2007, 06:27 AM

Hee! I peeked at some spoilers! The one that dies is...just kidding!

Hahaha my friend read the book as soon as she got it, and told me everything that happens. I mean, I know I'll never get around to reading it, so I'd just like to know what I'm missing.

I was delighted by the ending, I must say.

GirlWithKaleidoscopeEyes

Jul 22, 2007, 06:29 AM

I just finished it last night, and I have to agree about the ending. There was one thing I didn't get, but saying anything more right now would ruin it.

Marmalade Skies

Jul 22, 2007, 06:35 AM

Yeah, my friend said she found a load of plot-holes.
Which is understandable, beacause I think Ms. Rowling was just trying to crank it out as quickly as she could and was a little less careful maybe?

digdad

Jul 22, 2007, 08:29 AM

Well, I figured I would have to wait until Monday or so until I could start reading it, but no such waiting. My wife stayed up until 4:30 am last night and finished it in one go. Me, I'll still take 3 to 4 weeks to finish it.

Lynner

Jul 22, 2007, 06:35 PM

Maybe we could wait until about mid August to discuss the ending? I would guess that most who want to read the book will have by that point? What do you all think?

Magill

Jul 23, 2007, 08:50 AM

My wife stayed up until 4:30 am last night and finished it in one go.
:bigeyes3: Holy moley, DD! Are you married to Evelyn Wood?

digdad

Jul 23, 2007, 09:01 AM

:bigeyes3: Holy moley, DD! Are you married to Evelyn Wood?
She is a fast reader, not quite that fast, but fast.:teeth1:

I can't quite bring myself to do that even if I could. I liken it to having a plate of your favorite meal placed in front of you and scarfing it down in under a minute. I'd rather take my time and savor it.:cool1:

Lynner

Jul 27, 2007, 08:09 AM

Got the book as an early bday gift from my husband last night and sat up all night reading it. I liked it better than book 6. My husband is reading it now. It'll be nice to be able to discuss it with him. Most of our early predictions on who was going to die in this one were wrong, so it should be an interesting discussion.

Lynner

Jul 27, 2007, 08:10 AM

SF4-EVER

Jul 27, 2007, 03:55 PM

Lynn, I'm done with Book 7 if you want to discuss it.

Lynner

Jul 27, 2007, 05:45 PM

That would be fun, Sandra!
I'll be sending you a pm in the next day or two.

Loony_leo

Aug 05, 2007, 02:48 PM

I've been reading the book series since I was almost 11, and loved it every step of the way.

Well.......I don't know if I have quite forgiven her for what she did to Sirius in book 5. I had a bit of a crush on his character when I was 12/13 ish...lol! (Sad eh??) But I mean honestly...a veil?? He escaped Azkaban, and dementors...and....a veil??? However the chapter after that one was very touching.

But I loved book 7, I think it was my favourite in the series. My dad ordered it for me so I could get it the day it came out (we were leaving for vaccation) and I think so he could also read it...he's read each book after I've been through with it.

Lynner and SF-4ever if you guys haven't discussed it to death already I'd love to hear your thoughts! :smile1:

MaccaGirl2891

Aug 06, 2007, 06:09 AM

Loony_leo

Aug 06, 2007, 10:12 AM

I finished book 7 almost two weeks ago. I am also available for discussion about the book!
IMO, the books are better than the movies, but the movies are still enjoyable (even if stuff was left out of 3, 4, and 5) and, of course, the boys in those movies are VERY nice to look at!

*Available for discussion about book 7!*

Awesome! I'll PM you!

Yeah I like the movies too! I miss Richard Harris as Dumbledore though, IMHO the new Dumbledore is a little mean.

I like Gary Oldman as Sirius (well at least in the 3rd movie, haven't seen the 5th yet), which is funny because before I had only seen him in 5th Element like a hundred times (my parents love it) and I could not picture him as the character! He sure proved me wrong though!

MaccaGirl2891

Aug 06, 2007, 11:17 AM

I miss Richard Harris as Dumbledore though, IMHO the new Dumbledore is a little mean.

I miss Richard Harris, too!! He was a very convincing Dumbledore, and he fit the part well. The new one doesn't really seem mean to me, he just seems a little forceful and in a hurry all of the time.

Loony_leo

Aug 06, 2007, 07:27 PM

I miss Richard Harris, too!! He was a very convincing Dumbledore, and he fit the part well. The new one doesn't really seem mean to me, he just seems a little forceful and in a hurry all of the time.

Yeah, a little too gruff!

I also like the guy who plays Hagrid... I can never remember his name though!

Harbidge

Aug 07, 2007, 07:58 AM

Richard Harris made a wonderful Dumbledore - he fit the role perfectly with the right aura, friendship and authority D has in the books.

Michael Gambon I think is playing him now. He seems a little more hardfaced and not-so-nice.

And Hagrid is played by Robbie Coltrane :-)

MaccaGirl2891

Aug 07, 2007, 01:04 PM

I couldn't think of the new Dumbledore's name. Michael Gambon is it.

Robbie Coltrane fits that part SO well!!!

MaccaGirl2891

Aug 07, 2007, 07:41 PM

OMG, one of my best friends sent me the most GORGEOUS picture of Daniel Radcliffe! It's of him and a horse when he was in that play in London and he's wearing NOTHING!! If anyone wants to see it, let me know and I'll send you a link. I was *very* surprised (referring to a size of something), just letting you know!